By leah jones
Seattle is an incredible city with its own unique quality and charm. However, in the winter you may want to take a quick break from the rainy, gloomy weather clouding the PNW.
Here are some great destination ideas for day trips from Seattle in winter, from snowy adventures to serene island retreats.
This Bavarian-themed town is a winter wonderland just two hours from Seattle. Try winter sports like sledding and snowshoeing, check out the Leavenworth Reindeer Farm or enjoy warm mulled wine.
The Summit at Snoqualmie is ideal for skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing. It's only one hour from Seattle. Head to this popular winter day trip location for picturesque hikes and cozy lodges.
In winter, the Paradise area of this park becomes a haven for snowshoeing and sledding with breathtaking views of Mount Rainier's snowy peaks. Get there in two hours from Seattle.
Whidbey Island features charming small towns like Langley, scenic beaches and Deception Pass State Park with fewer crowds in the winter. Get there from Mukilteo plus a ferry ride in 1.5 hours.
Stevens Pass is a popular ski and snowboard destination with powder-filled slopes only an hour and a half from Seattle. There are also Nordic skiing trails and cozy lodges for relaxation.
A quick, 35-minute ferry trip from Seattle leads to the quaint Bainbridge Island with art galleries, shops and winter hiking trails. Also visit the Bloedel Reserve for a peaceful garden walk.
Crystal Mountain is known for excellent skiing and snowboarding and also offers gondola rides for stunning views of Mount Rainier. Get to Crystal Mountain Resort in about two hours from Seattle.
40 minutes from the city you can see Snoqualmie Falls surrounded by mist and winter greenery. Additionally, nearby North Bend has cozy cafes and the famous Twin Peaks filming locations.
Hurricane Ridge is a winter wonderland for skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing with incredible mountain views. Get to Olympic National Park in 2.5 hours, including the Seattle-Bainbridge Ferry ride.
San Juan Islands is about three hours away by ferry. There, you can enjoy spotting wildlife like orcas and bald eagles, as well as peaceful small-town charm of Orcas Island or Friday Harbor.